The REI Journey: Reclaiming Fertility, Releasing Shame, and Restoring Trust in Your Body

by Dr. LaSonya Lopez, MD

March 18, 2025

Introduction: The Silent Struggle of Infertility

For many women, the journey through Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) is a deeply personal battle—one often marked by silence, secrecy, and self-doubt. Despite 1 in 8 couples struggling with infertility (CDC, 2023), the emotional toll of fertility treatments, egg freezing, and reproductive challenges is still stigmatized and misunderstood.

The narrative surrounding fertility has often been one of success or failure, leaving little room for the complexities of the journey. But fertility struggles do not define a woman’s worth—and they should never be a measure of her strength, femininity, or purpose.

It’s time to rewrite the conversation around reproductive health—replacing shame with empowerment, fear with knowledge, and isolation with community.

Understanding the Science of Fertility: The Basics of REI

Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (REI) is a medical specialty that focuses on hormonal imbalances, ovarian function, and reproductive challenges. Women who struggle with infertility often face conditions such as:

🔹 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – Affects ovulation and hormone balance.🔹 Endometriosis – Causes pelvic inflammation and affects implantation.🔹 Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) – A decline in egg quantity and quality.🔹 Hormonal Dysregulation – Imbalances in FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone.

The field of REI offers advanced fertility treatments, including:

✔ Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation) – Preserving eggs for future use.

✔ In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – Fertilizing an egg outside the body and implanting it in the uterus.

✔ Ovulation Induction & Hormone Therapy – Medications to regulate ovulation and boost fertility.

But while these treatments are rooted in cutting-edge science, they are also emotionally and physically demanding, requiring a holistic approach that integrates mental, spiritual, and physical well-being.

The Emotional Toll: Infertility, Anxiety & Shame

Women undergoing fertility treatments often experience intense emotional highs and lows. Studies show that women facing infertility have stress levels equivalent to those with cancer or heart disease (Harvard Medical School, 2021).

Common emotional struggles include:

🔹 Shame & Self-Blame: Feeling like their body has "failed" them.

🔹 Isolation: Not wanting to discuss infertility due to societal stigma.

🔹 Anxiety & Depression: Fear of treatment failure, financial stress, and uncertainty about outcomes.

🔹 Resentment & Emotional Fatigue: Watching friends and family conceive while struggling privately.

One of the most damaging narratives surrounding infertility is the belief that womanhood is defined by fertility. This myth needs to be dismantled. You are whole, worthy, and complete—regardless of your reproductive journey.

“You do not need to be a mother to be powerful, nurturing, or valuable. Your worth is not measured by your fertility status.” – Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, Fertility Specialist

Releasing Shame: Faith-Based & Holistic Approaches

Shame thrives in secrecy. But when we open up about our experiences, we create space for healing and resilience.

1. Redefining Womanhood & Purpose

Society often links fertility with identity, but womanhood is so much more. Consider these affirmations:

✔ My ability to give life is not only biological—it is emotional, spiritual, and intellectual.

✔ My body is not broken—it is doing its best with what it has.

✔ I am valuable beyond my ability to conceive.

2. The Role of Faith & Spiritual Alignment

For many women, faith is a cornerstone of resilience in the fertility journey. Trusting in divine timing and seeking spiritual guidance can offer a sense of peace and surrender in the face of uncertainty.

“Faith does not guarantee a perfect outcome, but it does provide strength through the waiting.”

Ways to incorporate faith into fertility healing:

🔹 Journaling prayers or reflections on trust and patience.

🔹 Seeking faith-based counseling for emotional support.

🔹 Practicing meditation and breathwork to quiet anxiety.

3. Mind-Body Practices for Fertility Support

Stress directly impacts cortisol levels, which can interfere with ovulation and embryo implantation.Holistic strategies that support reproductive health include:

✔ Acupuncture & Reflexology – Stimulates ovarian function and blood flow to the uterus.

✔ Pelvic Floor Therapy – Supports uterine alignment and reduces tension in reproductive organs

.✔ Adaptogens & Herbal Medicine – Herbs like maca root, ashwagandha, and vitex can support hormonal balance (Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 2020).

Egg Freezing & Fertility Preservation: Taking Control of Your Future

For many women, egg freezing is an empowering step—offering reproductive freedom while prioritizing career, personal growth, or medical concerns.

What to know about egg freezing:

✔ The best time for egg freezing is before age 35, but it can be done later.

✔ Success rates depend on egg quantity, ovarian reserve, and overall health.

✔ Lifestyle factors—nutrition, stress levels, and toxin exposure—impact egg quality.

Taking control of fertility preservation is not about fear—it’s about empowered decision-making.

“Egg freezing doesn’t mean giving up on natural conception—it’s a form of reproductive insurance that gives you choices.” – Dr. Jamie Grifo, NYU Fertility Specialist

Restoring Trust in Your Body: Rewriting the Narrative

Fertility challenges often erode trust in one’s own body. Many women describe feeling like they are at war with themselves—but this mindset needs to shift toward self-compassion and trust.

Steps to Reconnect with Your Body

✅ Shift the Focus from “Fixing” to Supporting Instead of seeing your body as broken, approach it with nourishment and gratitude.

✅ Celebrate Small Wins Every step—whether it’s balancing hormones, improving egg health, or gaining emotional strength—is progress.

✅ Surround Yourself with the Right Support Find a fertility specialist who listens to your concerns and an accountability community that uplifts you.

✅ Reframe Your Story Your fertility journey is not just about conception—it’s about resilience, self-knowledge, and growth.

“I refuse to let infertility steal my joy, my identity, or my peace. I trust my body and the path I am on.”

Final Thoughts: Finding Strength in Your REI Journey

Fertility struggles are deeply personal, but they do not define you. Whether you’re navigating infertility, considering egg freezing, or exploring alternative reproductive options, remember:

You are whole, regardless of your reproductive status.

Your worth is not tied to motherhood. You deserve medical care that is compassionate, holistic, and evidence-based.

By shifting the conversation, releasing shame, and embracing faith, science, and self-compassion, women can move through their REI journey with empowerment, clarity, and resilience.

Sources & Citations:

📖 Harvard Medical School (2021) – Infertility & Mental Health Study📖 CDC (2023) – Infertility Prevalence & Treatment Statistics📖 Journal of Reproductive Medicine (2020) – Impact of Herbal Medicine on Fertility